NETS Victoria’s Chair Bec Cole has announced today that esteemed curator Dr Kent Wilson has been appointed as the new Director of NETS Victoria and will commence in the role in December. 

Kent Wilson brings a wealth of experience from corporate, government, and educational sectors to leverage his passion for driving engagement with art and building a wider appreciation of its social and economic power. He co-founded a regional non-profit in Kyneton, Victoria, that has produced two successful triennials, co-curated the largest visual arts program of the Castlemaine State Festival’s history, and delivered dozens of exhibitions in public institutions, festivals, schools, and commercial galleries. He, and his projects, have been the recipients of numerous grants including an Australia Council research grant for a curatorial residency in Tokyo and Creative Victoria grants for multi-site festival events in regional Victoria. He has been Curator at City of Boroondara’s Town Hall Gallery, Senior Curator at La Trobe University, and Co-Director/Secretary of Kyneton Contemporary Inc. 

Chair of NETS Victoria’s Board of Management, Bec Cole said: “Kent shares a set of values closely aligned with those of our organisation. His extensive experience across curatorship, business and education, coupled with his dedication to cultivating vibrant cultural engagement within regional Victoria and beyond, positions him exceptionally well for this role. We are excited to welcome him and see where his leadership will take us next.“  

Incoming Director Dr Kent Wilson says: ‘It is an honour to serve the goals of NETS Victoria, working with the many wonderful stakeholders who collectively drive our sector’s success. In these challenging times, I look forward to putting my energy toward growing capacity and embedding sustainability for the diversity of arts workers and arts organisations right across the land.“ 

Kent will take up the position in December, succeeding outgoing Director Claire Watson. “Among Claire’s many accomplishments at NETS Victoria, her dedication to platforming First Nations and underrepresented voices from diverse communities will be a defining legacy. I could not be prouder of everything she has achieved for the artists, curators and the regional galleries and communities that benefit from this work. We thank her wholeheartedly and wish her well for what will undoubtedly be an exciting future.” Bec Cole said, Chair of NETS Victoria.